1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Battalion Association

Thanks for your service.

Part 13

2021 & 2022

1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports

Are you looking for your Old Patrol Reports? Check out this page on my website:

http://www.weststpaulantiques.com/reconmissions.html

Too close to whisper...
...one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

----------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon

Floyd Ruggles

Check Out New Messages

Part 14 - 2022

All Companies

Photo Gallery

Bravo Company

Photo Gallery 

The Memory Remains Not All Wounds Are Visible.

"A Brotherhood Forged In Combat"

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Index

2014

Message Board Links

Part 1 - 2018-2019 

Part 2 - 2019-2020 

Part 3 - 2020 

Part 4 - 2020 

Part 5  - 2020

Past Message Board

Past Newsletters 

Part 1 - 2017-2018 

Part 2 - 2018 

Part 3 - 2018 

Part 4 - 2018-2019 

Past Reunions 

Past Stories 

Send in your photos

Part 6  - 2020

Past Photos Galleries 

Part 7  - 2020

Part 8  - 2020

Bobby Bare

 

 

Photo Gallery

Sergeant James F. "Jim" Southall

Obituary

Family photo gallery

Part 10  - 2021

Click a photo to link to a page on our  website or Facebook. Links are found on nearly all Web pages. Links allow users to click their way from page to page. You will find thousands of links on the 1st recon battalion association website.

In Remembrance of our brother Reconnaissance Marines & Corpsmen killed in action or otherwise while on duty.

I'm just a simple old warrior who served in the uniform of this country's military in War who loves to discuss all aspects of life. It is my firm conviction that if one understands what caused the war, how the war was conducted, and the Reconstruction Years that followed, one will know what this country is about.

Company
July 1968 - July 1969

The Memory Remains Not All Wounds Are Visible.

My personal website

Look at it as your Time Capsule. This website won't stand long after you're gone.

 

Daniel M Turpin

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Index

Rest In Peace, Marines

1st Recon Battalion Association

To all members if you find a misspelled word somewhere on our website send the page that the word is on and the word and I'll correct the spelling appreciate the help thank you.

Part 11  - 2021

1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports

Too close to whisper...
...one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

----------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon
------------------------


Hopefully all my info. is up to date. I will at the end of e-mail leave all my info.

I've left info. looking for anyone living so they might get in contact with me but

so far no answers. Maybe they are dead or not members.

Sincerely,
SSGT. Wendt, R.A. USMC
1st Recon H&S co. Oct. 1974 to April 1975
14330 W. Marshall Dr.
Manhattan, Il. 60442
815-263-5105

Not forgotten honored 

MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS
MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS, AWARDS, AND UNIT HISTORIES
(See the attached pdf file, or go to the URL at bottom here)

A New Congressional Research Service Publication on U.S. Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories

The Congressional Research Service has just published a short reference document that might be of interest to many:


Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories: A Guide to Locating Sources by Mese F. DeBruyne and Barbara Salazar Torreon.

The guide provides information on locating military unit histories and individual service records of discharged, retired, and deceased military personnel. It also provides information on locating and replacing military awards and medals. Included is contact information for military history centers, websites for additional sources of research, and a bibliography of other publications, including related CRS reports. Click here to download the Publication

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Historical Photo

Historical Photos

COMING FROM TIME TO TIME

May you rest in peace,

my brothers & sisters.

I will never forget you.

SEMPER FI

Bravo Company 1968-1969

Part 12  - 2021

Meet some of our members of our association.

To all Association Members,

Please reply and update or confirm your Information.
Your 1st Recon Battalion Association Website Information
can be found at: 1streconbn.org/members.html

Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks for all your help.

My email address is floyd@weststpaulantiques.com.
Please keep your information up to date.

This will allow the Association to send messages out from time to time by email or by mail.

Semper Fi,
Floyd Ruggles
Membership Director & Webmaster

Email Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2021 11:54 AM
Subject: Message Board

My Name: Clint Humphrey
Email: clinthumphreytx@gmail.com
Phone number: (817) 694-9742
Subject: Prior service questions
Message: Hello all! I have a few questions that I would love to talk to someone about. I have a family relative who was talking about his service time as a Force Recon Marine in the very early 60s and I would like to know how to check that? If someone could reach out, it would be much appreciated!

1st Lieutenant Stephen A. "Steve" Zrenda Jr.

Company 6/70-2/71

Passed Away January 16th, 2021

From Dan to Sierra: 1stLt. Stephen A. "Steve" Zrenda Jr. was one of our Super Marines in Nam having fought in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.....that would be someone who served in 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. I'm including some 1st Recon Marines on this email back to you who may have served with Zrenda. I seem to recall from the Texas Tech Vietnam War Archives Zrenda spent a lot of time going out to the bush on a multitude of patrols. If you would like to see some of the actions Zrenda encountered on his combat patrols in the bush go through the 1st Recon Bn. patrols from 1969-70 and locate your uncle listed as participating on those patrols. Some are oh-hum non-activity and others are heavy contact with the enemy initiated by only 6-8 Recon Marines. These other guys may be able to paint a more accurate picture of your uncle or reach out to someone who knew him.
Semper Fi, Dan Kellum, 1stLt. Echo 2/1, platoon commander, XO and finished out as CO of Echo Co.

Please write Sierra at  sierra.zrenda@icloud.com

Sintra Portugal

Historical and architectural wonders

Sintra is one of the most beautiful and most unique places in Portugal and is absolutely worth a visit. With fairytale-like castles and the most enchanting gardens, a visit to Sintra is worth your time even if you are coming from the other side of the world!

Emma Hogberg
Email: tardisnerd325@gmail.com
Phone number: (847) 961-8976


Subject: 1st Marine Division 1st Recon Battalion, H&HS Company
Message: I would like to thank all of you for your bravery and service. I am the Granddaughter of Herbert "Herbie" Hogberg II and I am looking for any and all information about those who could possibly remember him. I Know He was In the 1st Marine Division 1st Recon BN, with H & HS company; he was a Radio operator. Was also in Operation Kansas, friends With SSgt Jimmie E. Howard. I don't have much information on him because we lost some of our records. I going to try and post his photos from Vietnam to this site and see if he will let me take his photo now. Again thank you all and have a wonderful day.

E. Hogberg

Email sent: Monday, 2/1/2021 at 12:31 PM

Teen Pays Tribute To Fallen Marines With Prom Dress

Aubrey Headon and her prom dress

One young Rochelle girl took a rite of passage and turned it into a tribute for fallen servicemen. Aubrey Headon knew she wanted to do something special with her prom dress and this weekend, she made her grand debut., wearing it as a tribute to 25 Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment out of Camp Pendleton, California.

Operation Pipestone Canyon
26 May - 11 Nov 1969

Operation Pipestone Canyon was a US Marine Corps, Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC) operation that took place on Go Noi Island, Quảng Nam Province, lasting from 26 May to 7 November 1969.

Aftermath

Operation Pipestone Canyon concluded on 7 November, the Marines had lost 71 killed and the PAVN/VC 852 killed and 58 captured. The operation was regarded as a success as the PAVN/VC had been driven from Dodge City and Go Noi Island (which had been completely transformed during the operation) and Route 4 had been successfully reopened.

I grew up in the state which prides itself as the land of ten thousand lakes.
It’s been a few years since I’ve been out, fishing. So when I looked at your photo on Facebook it remind me of yesterday many years ago. I find myself drifting back with my feet resting on the edge of a fishing boat, wide open water on every side. This is one of the most relaxing things on earth. I like having nothing more to do these days than watch a red and white bobber bobbing around the surface of the water, waiting for the visual cue to tell me whether the hook has brushed by a weed or if I’ve snagged a Minnesota muskie or a record walleye. Those were the good old days my friend enjoy your travel and enjoy the time you have to fishing. I'll see you at the reunion this year. God willing Thanks for sharing your great photo. Your friend and brother Floyd Ruggles webmaster.

Open water on every side, fishing is one of the most relaxing things on earth.

DAVID L BACKER (ALPHA COMPANY JAN 1967 - DEC 1967)

Looks like you're having a great time, Enjoy my friend everyday is precious.

David & Shan Backer

We are having 🤩 fun in the sun.

July 2021

David & Shan Backer

Are planning to attend our reunion this year in Oceanside, California

Beautiful pictures! It looks like you two are relaxed and having fun! I am praying for safe travels for you! Connie Leinhos

DAVID L BACKER (ALPHA COMPANY JAN 1967 - DEC 1967)

July 16th, 2021 at 6:37 AM

Floyd
Got this email from Peter Dain and provided the below information and he was not the only one that has requested to to find old buds.

Can we put links on the web site with how to locate old buds.

I will always help

I have not bothered you because you are working on Reunion.
Is the list on new site updated?
Because I will work that from A-Z

John marine1967@verizon.net

SEARCH VETERANS & PERSONNEL

John,

Thanks for all the information should help and our members locate their Brothers.

A Summer Day In Nam
"A Brotherhood Forged In Combat"

Last night I awoke to the sounds of thunder. I was recalling a small part of a day as if it was yesterday. As I remember, it was the height of the war that day. It seems to be bits and pieces of time that have been locked away for over fifty years. Our team call sign is "Average". 9 Recon Marines with an attitude, charging from the gate of a CH-46 Sea Knight, carrying our weight.

I can say I’m literally carrying my weight or more on my back. As a small Marine around 145 pounds and about 5 feet 7, I could move in and out of tight areas as a point. On my back is a rucksack. A “back pack or the sack” as the team called it. In the rucksack would have been enough C Rations for this mission. I can recall running out from time to time. I recall on one of my missions working with a team of 14 Marines. We went out on a 5 day mission and we were socked in by the monsoon for 10 days or so living off the land eating bugs and small green bananas before we were lifted out of that zone by choppers. But that is another story. On this summer day in my rucksack would have been rain gear, dry socks, my weapon maintenance kit, poncho liner, my camouflage blanket. camouflage paint, first aid items, map and compass, mess kit, gasmask, a canteen or two of water, and my trusty camera that was always by my side and I’m probably forgetting something. As for my weapons now all I can say to “Charlie” is I’m packing. Ten to twenty hand grenades, gas and colored smoke canisters, extra M60 machine gun rounds, two to four clamor mines, my knife and bayonet, 15-20 M16 magazines. Yes this marine was packing on all my missions plus I would have had a ton of C4 plastic explosives with detonators. Thinking back today on this for some apparent reason it seems I like to blow things up. As my wife Linda, who I love dearly, is looking over my shoulder at this time and making a coy remark like I was a young dumb kid. And I reply back as I’m thinking Hoo-ya, but all those explosives were for clearing LZ “landing zone” for the choppers to land on for extractions at the end of our missions and the C4 was for cooking our food. I don’t think she bought in to that. I’m thinking for the record it was a great deterrent for the enemy forces. But as you can see I’m literally carrying my weight.

My steps were quick and light. I’m running point that day for a small team of brothers. They’re reconnaissance Marines out of Bravo Company. We’re on a mission to locate enemy movement and report back; it’s a 5 day mission in enemy controlled territory and my team is on the ground.

Within minutes my eyes were fixed on movement. A small group of 4 VC or NVA with small arms packs and two radios were moving along a river 200 yards or so from me on a winding trail. The enemy moved along the trail within 50 yards or so of the team and moved off down the trail into the bush. To reach higher ground our team would have to cross the river. 1st Lt. Riley "at the time a 2nd Lt." ordered Sgt. Southall "at the time a Cpl" and me to move towards the river to find a river crossing for the team. We moved out towards the river moving through elephant grass at least 6 feet tall as we moved very cautiously and slowly. I recall being at point arms. The grass appeared to become shorter as we approached the river. We moved over 100 yards or so before my eyes picked up movement to the right of our position. We hit the deck! A company sized unit of enemy with Chinese was moving towards our position. Carrying RPGs this company of NVA is packing and looking for a rumble. As this unit moved on the trail and the trail was now winding around me we were out gunned on this day ten to one. I’m thinking back what if one of the team would have to squeeze off a round or two. What if, what if, can drive a man crazy some times and what if can tear your mind apart time and time again. This Company sized unit moved within five feet or so of me at times. My eyes were fixed on them, my hands were steady. I held firmly to my M16. The Cpl is 10 feet or so to my left. The balance of the team Ssgt. Romo, 2nd Lt. Riley, Pfc. Brandvold, Pfc. Coy and Pfc. Plunket are 300 to 400 feet behind me in the thick bush with the radioman Pfc. Harkins and Pfc. Horne on the M60 caliber machine gun. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Cpl. Southall trying to shift from his awkward position. I’m thinking ‘Oh No’ as my life started to flash by me. As I’m thinking and looking back on it now, it would be like the movie “Christmas Story” when Ralphie said," No more turkey, no more turkey sandwiches, no more turkey period". Thinking back now, I can also say I thought no more turkey dinners with my future wife, children, grandchildren, no more turkey period with my family. Things are about to turn worse. I’m a sweating Marine only two years out of high school and it seems like a life time ago. I was as strong as I could be. Nothing ever got to me, until this moment of this day! I’m afraid that things are about to end for me or turn worse for all of my brothers this summer day. The Corporal Jim Southall, whose name I can remember, is going to reposition his leg and the enemy’s all around us. As Cpl. Southall moved his leg I could hear a twig snap. Instantly two of the North Vietnamese turn and look at me from five feet or so away. My eyes were fixed on them. My hands were steady as I gripped my weapon. This moment in time seemed like an eternity to me. Their eyes seemed to be searching for me but their weapon stayed shouldered as they turned back and moved on down the winding trail. Not a shot was fired.

As this Company sized unit of North Vietnamese moved past me in single file, they were packing on this day. One by one they passed by me that day, one by one but time seem like it stopped that summer day. Yes time stopped for me. It seems like yesterday for this proud recon Marine. The enemy moved past me with packs on their backs. I could almost make out the serial numbers on their RPGs as the enemy passed by me with their weapons shouldered, carrying heavy arms and equipment. Yes the enemy passed the team by that day, moved off into the bush and not a shot was fired this time. The Cpl and I resumed our position and moved towards the river to look for a crossing for the team. We located one and returned to our brothers with painted faces. I’m running point toward the river. My steps now are quicker and lighter. Towards the river through the elephant grass we all cross that river on this day. We all moved to higher ground. What a somber place it seems to be. Second Lieutenant Brian Riley US Marine Corps (retired) and our radio operator Pfc. Harkins, called for artillery that day, March 15th, 1969 at about 1500 hrs and the artillery rained down in Elephant Valley. On the other side of the river as my mind wandered back to that twig snapping and those North Vietnamese turning and looking at me, this moment in time seemed like an eternity when their eyes seem to be searching for me. The team call sign "Average" moved out that day in '69. All my brothers with painted faces moved out! Our steps were quick and light and I’m proud to say that not one shot was fired on this glorious summer day in Vietnam. We called for an emergency extraction on the 2nd or 3rd day of that mission. But that is another story for this Marine.

Semper fi,
Floyd Ruggles
1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association,
Membership Director & Webmaster

My Facebook page

"I crossed that river with "Dublin City" a couple weeks after you." Posted by Rick Sikkema

Barry Fiske, Rick Sikkema & Dave Fowler Echo Company

LIFE as you get Older

If you can't think of a word say "I forgot the English word for it." That way people will think you're bilingual instead of an idiot.

I'm at a place in my life where errands are starting to count as going out.

I don't always go the extra mile, but when I do it's because I missed my exit.

I just did a week's worth of cardio after walking into a spider web.

I don't mean to brag, but I finished my 14-day diet food supply in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

A recent study has found women who carry a little extra weight live longer than men who mention it.

Kids today don't know how easy they have it. When I was young, I had to walk 9 feet through shag carpet to change the TV channel.

Senility has been a smooth transition for me.

Remember back when we were kids and every time it was below freezing outside, they closed school? Yeah, Me neither.

I may not be that funny or athletic or good looking or smart or talented. I forgot where I was going with this.

I love approaching 80, I learn something new every day and forget 5 other things.

A thief broke into my house last night. He started searching for money so I got up and searched with him.

Just remember, once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed.

Having plans sounds like a good idea until you have to put on clothes and leave the house.

It's weird being the same age as old people.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be older...this is not what I expected.

Life is like a helicopter. I don't know how to operate a helicopter.

It's probably my age that tricks people into thinking I'm an adult.

Never sing in the shower! Singing leads to dancing, dancing leads to slipping, and slipping leads to paramedics seeing you naked. So, remember...Don't sing!

I see people about my age mountain climbing; I feel good getting my leg through my underwear without losing my balance.

Corona coaster: noun; the ups and downs of a pandemic. One day you're loving your bubble, doing work outs, baking banana bread and going for long walks and the next you're crying, drinking gin for breakfast and missing people you don't even like.

I'm at that age where my mind still thinks I'm 29, my humor suggests I'm 12, while my body mostly keeps asking if I'm sure I'm not dead yet.

You don't realize how old you are until you sit on the floor and then try to get back up.

We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Dang, an outstanding story sir…… much respect from a next generation recon marine….

James Lucas

Larry F. Quigley

1st Recon Battalion Association

Larry Posted 7/18/2021
Is this a work of fiction?

Never knew Recon to carry that much gear or say hoo-ya 1st Force 5th Plt 67-68

What does hoo ya mean? Oorah is a battle cry common in the United States Marine Corps since the mid-20th century. It is comparable to hooah in the US Army and hooyah in the US Navy and US Coast Guard. It is most commonly used to respond to a verbal greeting or as an expression of enthusiasm.

Bravo Co. 1st Recon Sept. '69 to Sept. '70.

As I recall, Elephant Valley was loaded with leeches. Not the big black river leeches that one sees in pictures, but the inch worm little bastards that you could see inching their way toward you from leaf to leaf. Many a morning I woke up thinking I had gone blind only to realize that my eyelids were covered with them and I couldn't open my eyes. After peeling them off I started killing the little mf's on the rest of my body. Nice place to visit, wouldn't want to live there.

Denny Eller

Larry, what is a work of fiction? The answer is a fictitious account; an account of events that never took place. So my question to you is, what are you exactly saying. Are you saying it never took place or are you just trying to rub me the wrong way?

Did anyone know my best friend SSGT Wayne Hatton. Ist Force Recon C section, spent five and a half years in Nam 66-71 ?

Doug Noland

To Floyd Ruggles, Books and stories are are labeled fiction and non fiction. Have never seen or read a book labeled fictitious account. Don’t know you so I’m not trying to rub you at all. Just saying I’ve never known any Recon Marine carry that much gear. I ran patrols with 1st Force teams Killer Kane and Swift Scout in 67-68 and no one toted that much. So I guess I’m just saying your inflated story is bull shit. SF

Correspondence between myself and Larry F Quigley July 19th, 2021

Larry, I do agree with one of your statements here that you don't really know me. We have met in the past briefly and I'm sorry that we didn't get to know each other a little bit better. But as the Membership Director & Webmaster to the Association I have to caution you on some of your language and some of the phrases that you have been using a lot on this platform. I do respect you and your military career and yes I have read all the books you seemed to refer to. So I really don't want to recommend that you be censoreed or removed from our platform at this time. You probably do not mean it intentionally but you do have a tendency to ruffle members feathers or even anger them at times. This is just a word of caution to you. The next time you wander into a mine field check it out or look over the terrain in front of you first. I look forward to seeing you at one of the up-and-coming reunions in the future, God willing.  The best to you and your family Larry. This is your link to the page where all of our correspondence is posted on the association's website: http://1streconbn.com/new-messages-part-13.html                                             It is now a permanent record for the battalion.

Semper fi,

Floyd Ruggles,

1st Recon Battalion Association                                                                              Membership Director & Webmaster

Our newest member

James Moe Armtrong

Bravo Company 63-65

Message from Michael's Son

My name is: Shawn R Hazelton 

Email: Shawnrobert032@gmail.com 
Subject: Michael Lee Hazelton
Message: My father is Michael Lee Hazelton, and he passed away when I was 12 all I can find out about him is he served in Vietnam with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. Does anyone remember him and can email me what they remember cause I would like to know more about my dad. Thank you

Michael was a member of Marine Recruit Platoon 145 - The Arizona Platoon - that went through boot camp at MCRD San Diego in 1965. Served with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion in Viet Nam. Discharged at the rank of Sergeant on June 30, 1968.

America’s Scenic Treasures

Planning a vacation this summer? Chances are you’ll be one of millions who visits one of America’s national parks.

 

In 2019, the parks saw more than 327 million guests, almost exactly the population of the United States that year. That’s one park visit per person!

 

Some of the top spots went to the Great Smoky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Acadia National Park, and of course, Yellowstone.

Yellowstone became America’s—and the world’s—first national park in 1872 when President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill designating 2 million acres as “a great natural playground” that is the “property of Uncle Sam and therefore all of us.” Early park visitors enjoyed the wild game, geysers, lakes, and canyons on horseback or riding in stagecoaches and wagons.

Article continue towards the bottom of this page.

Over the next 40 years, 35 national parks were created, including Yosemite in 1890 and Crater Lake in 1902. In 1906, the cliffs of Mesa Verde, Colorado, were set aside as a park and it was notable for its focus on preserving the ancient Pueblo culture and their artifacts.

 

And all of this happened before the National Parks Service agency was even created!

 

Now in 2021, the United States can boast of its 423 national parks—that’s just about 85 million acres across every state except Delaware.

Zion National Park, Utah

Next time you make a visit, you might remember their origins and what President Franklin D. Roosevelt said when visiting Glacier National Park in 1934. “There is nothing so American as our national parks,” and that “the fundamental idea behind the parks...is that the country belongs to the people.”

 

Tana L. Pedersen

America’s Scenic Treasures

My is Name: Caleb Hohman
Email: send email out email addresses bad
Phone number: phone number removed


Subject: Need to find out last name. of another who was at bn short period of time


Message: I am aware of Medley but their is another that has a first name but not sure of his last name. I'm thinking and remember that 2007 was when 3 we're their me and Caleb Medley were in different Co. Can't remember what otherwise last name was to a caleb that I saw around bn but somehow recalling his name is difficult for me.

Floyd
Got this email from Peter Dain and provided the below information and he was not the only one that has requested to to find old buds.

Can we put links on the web site with how to locate old buds.

I will always help

I have not bothered you because you are working on Reunion.
Is the list on new site updated?
Because I will work that from A-Z

John

Hello John,
Thankyou very much for taking the time to research and e-mail me. I live in Rome,N.Y. 8348 Forest Ln if you are ever in the vicinity he would be my pleasure to see you.
Semper Fi,
Peter Dain

-----Original Message-----

From: Peter Dain <pdain1force6768@gmail.com>
To: marine1967@verizon.net
Sent: Wed, Jul 14, 2021 7:03 pm
Subject: 1st Force Recon

Hello John,
Semper Fi,I hope this not finds you and your family in the best of health and spirits.I was in Team West Orange,unfortunately I was only in the Company from Oct till Jan,
rotated before the Company went to Phu Bai.
If possible would have e-mail addresses for Sgt John Clifford and HM3 Merrithew.Sgt Clifford was my Team Leader in West Orange,HM3 Merrithew was our Corpsman.
I hope all Members appreciate your effort in contacting other Recon Marines.
Semper Fi,
Peter Dain,Rome,N.Y. USMC 1965-1969

Innovation at Skogskyrkogården

Skogskyrkogården, Woodland Cemetery, is considered one of the most important works of modern architecture of the 20th century. The cemetery is located in Sockenvägen, Enskede about a ten-minute drive south from Stockholm, Sweden. In 1994, Skogskyrkogården was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site given its newly conceived design and the influence that this design has had on burial sites throughout the last century.

In 1850, Stockholm’s population was about 93,000. Over the next half century, the industrial revolution took place and Stockholm was booming. An example of this growth is that in 1897, Djurgården, an island in Stockholm, hosted The General Art and Industrial Exposition, otherwise known as The World’s Fair. By the year 1900, Stockholm’s population had tripled to 300,000.

Fri, Jul 9, 2021, 2:51 PM Carlos Mariscal < karlos016140@sbcglobal.net> wrote:


Good morning,

My name is Carlos Mariscal and I am a retired Marine. During my 21 years in the Marine Corps (1972-1993) I served for 3 years in1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. The 1st Marine Division Association was going to hold our reunion in August but it was cancelled. I was told that 1st Recon Battalion is holding their reunion on August 4 thru August 7. I was wondering if I could join in your reunion. I already have hotel reservations for those dates aboard Camp Pendleton. I have downloaded the registration form from your website. If I am allowed to join in your reunion I will fill out the registration form and send it to you.

Semper fi!
GySgt Carlos Mariscal (USMC) Ret.

A portrait of Major Samuel Nicholas, the first Commandant of the Marine Corps, 1775.

'Highway of Death'
I was an O-5 then. A Quartermaster LTC serving as the director of materiel with the 301st Support Group (Area), an active Reserve unit stationed at Fort Totten, (Queens) N.Y.

 

On Thanksgiving Day 1990, the call came down: “Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag,” say goodbye to family, friends, and your civilian job, and report to your unit within 24 hours.

 

The unit spent about five weeks in pre-deployment exercises, weapons familiarization, shots, personal affairs updates and South West Asia orientation at Fort Dix, N.J. We loaded onto civilian contracted aircraft and landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 23, 1990. We had a variety of missions from water purification, vehicle repair, and maintenance to decontamination of equipment for return to CONUS. We moved around a lot (Riyadh, King Khalid Military City, Kuwait City).

 

Our unit never got into Iraq, but we saw the devastation the A-10s delivered as we traveled the “Highway of Death.” We finally redeployed out of Dhahran on June 1, 1991.

 

— Col. Bill Nagy, USAR (Ret)

Desert Storm leaders Gen. Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, left, and Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander of coalition forces in Desert Shield/Desert Storm, attend a news conference in February 1991. (Photo by Thierry Orban/Sygma/Getty Images)

Support From Home
In early 1991, Naval Reserve Fleet Hospital 23 was notified that our hospital was slated to be activated for Operation Desert Storm. 

 

I was head of patient administration for our hospital, and we had been preparing for three years to be ready as a fully functioning hospital, if mobilized. The question that became the competing challenge was — were our midwestern civilian healthcare employers prepared to lose large numbers of medical professionals throughout our region?

 

I was vice president of a 400-bed, full-service community hospital operated by a large Catholic hospital system with a significant number of hospitals in Wisconsin and Illinois. The sisters were anticipating losing a large number of staff and in some instances creating shortages.

 

I was relieved that our hospital system and communities/families were in full support of those mobilized and their families.

 

— Capt. Rex D. Conger, USNR (Ret)

"Be a Marine, Free a Marine to Fight": The United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve

Foundations of the Women's Reserve

At a farewell dinner party on the evening of October 12, 1942, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Major General Thomas Holcomb, was asked his thoughts about recruiting women into the Corps. It is reported that, before anyone could respond, a portrait of Fifth Commandant, Archibald Henderson (1820-1859), crashed to the ground before the guests. One can only speculate how Henderson would have felt about women serving in the Corps but, after the bitter fighting in the campaign for Guadalcanal, it became obvious that the 

 United States Marine Corps would soon be facing manpower shortages that would need to be addressed immediately. Ruth Cheney Streeter, future Director of the USMCWR, already believed that women had the capability of serving the military, and understood that the United States involvement in the war was all but inevitable. Despite the reluctance of the top Marine Corps officials who had attended that dinner party, women across the United States were ready to serve the Corps.

Search continues for Marines killed during battle for Guadalcanal in WW II – Ken Budd has spent 25 years looking for older brother

Ken Budd was 10,000 miles away from his Tropical Gulf Acres home south of Punta Gorda. He stopped his rental car outside Honiara, the capital city on Guadalcanal, one of the many Pacific islands in the Solomon Island chain. He was certain that is where his brother’s World War II grave, for which he had been searching decades, was located.

Historical Photo

These are the battles mentioned in the Marines’ Hymn

The early days of November bring more than just chilly weather and the beginning of a winter-long food and football hibernation cycle. That’s what Thanksgiving is for. Come the 10th and 11th – the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day respectively – military towns and American Legion Halls all over the country begin shaking with the booming voice of Marines past and present, singing the Marines’ Hymn, a song about the Halls of Montezuma and the Shores of Tripoli.

Operation Jay
begins June 26, 1966

On June 25, 1966, Operation Jay began approximately 20 miles northwest of the central Vietnamese city of Hue. 

The operation, which lasted nine days, saw the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines land north of the North Vietnamese 812th Main Force Battalion, while the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines landed south of the enemy's position. Caught between the two Marine units, the North Vietnamese battalion suffered more than 80 dead during the course of the operation.

Aftermath, Operation Jay concluded on 2 July, the Marines had lost 24 killed, and the Marine Corps claimed that the Vietcong had lost 475 killed.

Lewis "Chesty" Puller is Born

On June 26, 1898, Lewis "Chesty" Puller, the most decorated Marine in history, was born in West Point, Virginia.

Puller would enlist in the Marine Corps in 1918 during World War I (although he didn't see action during that war) and in 37 years of service, he served in numerous conflicts during the "Banana Wars," including the Occupation of Haiti and the Occupation of Nicaragua, World War II, including the Battles of Guadalcanal and Peleliu, and the Korean War, including the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.

By the time he retired in 1955, Puller was (and still remains) the most decorated Marine in the history of the Corps. Puller is one of only two American servicemen to be awarded five Navy Crosses (the other being Rear Admiral Roy Davenport) and, with the Distinguished Service Cross awarded to him by the U.S. Army, he is the only serviceman to have been awarded the nation's second-highest military awards for valor six times.

Email from Doc, 7/27/2021 5:21 PM

RECONNERS – BRING YOUR FILTHY LUCRES TO THE 2021 REUNION AND STOCK UP ON YOUR RECON NEEDS!

BELT BUCKLES - $25
 SHIRTS - $25
CHALLENGE COINS - LG $6 ; SM $5


Items unsold will be available by mail following the reunion.


I will also have a very limited number of Certificates of Commendation signed by Commandant Joseph F. Dunsford acknowledging the service of the 1st and 3rd Force Reconnaissance Companies and the 1st and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalions in Vietnam


As always we will be holding our annual auction following the dinner Friday night. The monies from this auction are used to fund the Association as membership dues are not required. Bring your checkbooks to the auction and bid like a drunken sailor. Let us know if you have items to donate for the auction.

Dave ‘Doc’ Snider

Floyd, you might enjoy.

Photo 1 is static line jump, out of CH-53 over New River N.C.

Photo 2 is dive ops USS Grayback, LPSS 574

MIKE FALLON

Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.        

Principal  

POG, LLC  Consulting

Cell: 703-201-2644

mfallon4@cox.net  

From: Mike Fallon <mfallon4@cox.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 6:52 PM

LtCol William Leftwich inside CH-46 cira Nov 1070

2017 Marines on patrol

1/Lt. J.K. Murphy post emergency extract summer 1970 on LZ 401 at Camp Reasoner, right is 1/Lt.O. Fallon extract officer

Bravo Company POW snatch /raid ‘large team’ circ October ’70

 top left are Lt’s  Fallon, Murphy, Anderson

Thirteen U.S. service members and dozens of Afghans were killed and scores more wounded Thursday when two explosions rocked an area outside Kabul's airport. Click here

August 26, 2021

1st Recon 2021 Reunion Photos

Oceanside Camp Pendleton Area

Waldo Warren Hobbs

& the class of 1918

Served as the second principal of North High School in Minneapolis.

Waldo Warren Hobbs was born in July 1860, in New Hampshire, United States. He married Helen V Young on 30 June 1886, in Wyandot, Ohio, United States. They were the parents of at least 3 sons and 1 daughter. He lived in Minneapolis, Hennepin, Minnesota, United States in 1910. He died on 2 April 1943, in Hennepin, Minnesota, United States, at the age of 82.

Celebrate the 246th birthday of the Marine Corps with us!
1st Marine Division Association (FMDA) and  Camp Pendleton Historical Society (CPHS) cordially invite you to join us on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa (Carlsbad, Calif.)

in order to celebrate the

246th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps and

salute the 1st Marine Division World War II combat veterans.

Register soon because space is limited.

We hope to see you there!

If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to the 1st Marine Division Association (FMDA).  To do so, click on the Eventbrite image in this email and then click on “Tickets” and select “Donate to 1st Marine Division Association (FMDA)”.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Semper Fi!

Saturday, November 6, 2021 5:00 PM
246th U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Celebration and "Last of the First" Salute


Register

Gil & Lucille Perez

Gil has been hospitalized for most of the last few months. He is very ill with complications due to Agent Orange exposure. Your prayers would be very much appreciated. 11/9/21

2021

Reagan Anderson, 1st Recon BN  7/2004-2006

Membership application approved December 28, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: Was the BN Surgeon during this time. 

.

Mack O Cuttitta, Alpha Company 1988-1992

Membership application approved December 28th, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: I was in the Marines for 12 years. I was in Aco 1st Recon during Desert Storm. I was also with Det Force Recon on Okinawa 93-95 and 2nd Force Recon 95-96. I would like tto join the association and info about future reunions.

.

Richard Fox, H&S Company 12/1986-1/1987

Membership application approved December 28th, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: No MESSAGE AT THIS TIME.

.

John W Glasser, Alpha & Bravo Companies 6/1963-2/1965

Membership application approved December 28, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: I was a platoon commander/patrol leader (and simultaneously XO) in Company A for 8 months and CO and XO in Company B for the remainder of my tour in Viet Nam. 

.

Jose L Pereda, Recon Company 4th Platoon 1993-1998 1st Recon 2001-2003

Membership application approved December 28, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: Recon Ranger all the way.

.

Frank T Shelton, 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Company

HQBN 9/1993-9/1995

Membership application approved December 28, 2021  

Message to 1st Recon Battalion Association: Gentlemen,

I was with 1st Recon Bn 1993 to 1995. I attached right after completing ranger school.

I have been meaning to join the association, but as with most things life got in the way.

My Father, Col Roy H Shelton Jr USMC (Ret) passed away earlier this year. Unfortunately, he committed suicide. His passing made me reflect on those people and organizations that had the largest impact on my personal and professional life.

This battalion did that.

In addition, I have been working as a contractor in overseas from Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe. I'd like to join the association so I can pay things forward by identifying opportunities for members of this community. 

Best regards,

Frank Shelton

December 28th, 2021

New Members to the Association of the Natural Warrior

COL. ROY HIETT SHELTON, JR. RET

Col. Roy H. Shelton, Jr. Ret, 79, of Simpsonville, husband of Frances Thornton Shelton, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021.

Col. Shelton retired from the Marine Corps in 1993 after 30 years of active service in the Corps. His decorations include: the Defense Superior Service Medal w/oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit (w/1 star), Bronze Star Medal (w V), Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (w/combat V), Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal (w/star), Vietnam Service Medal (w/7 stars), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (w/5 stars), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Bronze, Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st class, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal Color w/Palm), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Joint Chief of Staff Badge, Navy Parachutist Insignia, Certificate of Commendation, Certificate of Achievement, Letter of Appreciation, Letter of Achievement, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Pistol Expert Badge (7th awd), Airborne Scol (OCG) 3 wks 8808, Armed Forces Staff College (R2R) 22 wks 9000.

2022

Email from: Merritt Tallman
Email Address: tallmanmerritt@yahoo.com

Subject: Condolences
Message: I was senior Corpsman in Bravo Co. from Dec '68 to March '69. Team "DONNEYBROOK" at tah time I went back to Med Bn. Sgt Charlie Tannehill was my team leader. May he rest in peace. KIA 23 April 1969.

Sgt Charlie Tannehill

When Charles arrived in Vietnam 14 August 1968 he was assigned to the 1st Platoon of Bravo Company, 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division.
Charles was with a recon team patrol when the team was ambushed by hostile forces and Charles died as a result of gunshot wounds to the body from hostile rifle fire.
Sgt Tannehill served his country for 4 years.

Howard "Doug" Wolfe

It is with deep sadness that I report the news of the death of Doug Wolfe. He died peacefully on March 31st, 2022  with his family at his side. He will be greatly missed by his family & friends. 

Part 14  - 2022

Part 15  - 2022

Part 16, Part 17,Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24, Part 25, Part 26 & Part 27